The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department’s 2019 recruitment drive is underway.
The department is looking for men and women between the age of 19 and 60, who live in the Parksville fire protection area, to join their team as volunteer on-call fire fighters.
“We’re looking for locals…who are interested in being part of something awesome, an opportunity to serve the community, learn skills and be part of a team,” said Parksville Fire Department chief Marc Norris.
The department has four career staff and try to keep a volunteer base of 44 individuals. Norris said they hope to recruit about eight new volunteer firefighters this year.
Related: Parksville Volunteer Fire Department seeks members
“We have a turnover every year of volunteers… so we’re constantly trying to recruit new people,” Norris said.
Norris said some traits a potential recruit should have is to be physically capable, be available for Monday night practices, community- and team-minded and should want to do the job.
Regular practice night will be open to the public on Monday, Jan. 21 from 7-9 p.m. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. and stay as long as you wish. This open practice is an opportunity to observe a practice and see firsthand what’s involved in training to be a firefighter and a chance to ask questions and chat with members and officers. The firehall is located at 160 Jensen Ave. W.
To learn more about being a firefighter, stop by the firehall during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to speak with an officer.
Closing date for applications is Friday, March 1 at 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.parksvillefirerescue.ca.
